Striker Hoy sparks Rovers first win in five weeks
It was appropriate striker Gavin Hoy was the key architect in Napier City Rovers first Ultra Football Central League win in five weeks today.
The 28-year-old Canadian who is in his second season with Thirsty Whale Napier City Rovers scored the Blues first goal in the 53rd minute of their 17th round 2-1 victory against Waterside Karori at Napier's Bluewater Stadium. He was unlucky to have shots on goal bounce off the posts in the fifth and 47th minutes.
"We're definitely happy to get a long-awaited win. In a game like that getting the first goal is crucial ... had we conceded the first goal it could have been a totally different game," Hoy explained afterwards.
"Even though we were dominating the game it was still important to score the first goal to build confidence. We've got one more game and if we can win that we will stay in the top half of the league," Hoy, who has signed a Hawke's Bay United National League contract, added.
It was another of those games where the Blues dominated possession and territory but didn't capitalise on numerous scoring opportunities. Rovers had eight shots on goal in the first half, five more than Integration Waterside Karori and finished the game with 17 shots on goal, 11 more than the visitors.
Some outstanding work from Waterside Karori keeper Logan Kinajil-Moran also contributed to Rovers lack of goals.
Fifteen minutes into the second half the visitors equalised when Rovers keeper Kyle Baxter conceded an own goal after a melee in the box. Two minutes later Rovers striker Josh Stevenson got a touch on a superb cross from fellow forward Zac Madsen to secure the win.
All of the Rovers deserve praise for the manner in which they constructed their opportunities. Midfielder Kenny Willox had a massive workrate before leaving the field with an injury in the 28th minute.
Defender Fergus Neil was always composed and it was clever work from him which led to Hoy's goal.
Former Havelock North Wanderers and Hawke's Bay United striker Jack Parker and fellow forward Merlin Luke-Miny were enterprising for Waterside Karori. The visitors captain, former Hawke's Bay United defender Ben Lack marshalled the visitors defensive effort well.
Former Napier Marist and Hawke's Bay United midfielder Josh Murphy was also busy for Waterside Karori who are seventh on the points table. Fifth placed Rovers host bottom of the table Stop Out from 2.30pm on Saturday.
